Shooting Range Blog


from Vance Outdoors

Ruger PC9 Charger 9mm Pistol

Ruger has a clear winner in the PC9 Charger-especially when the appropriate pistol brace is mounted.


Glock .22 LR Model 44-The Real Glock Deal!

The G44 ideally sized for home defense, concealed carry, trail, and recreational use.


Kel-Tec .22 Magnum CMR30 Carbine

The Kel-Tec CMR30 is a PMR30 with a carbine assembly mounted in place of the pistol barrel and slide-and that isn't an oversimplification.


Kel-Tec's PMR-30 Pistol-Lightweight, Compact, .22 Magnum Powerhouse

The PMR-30 is an excellent pistol with a price point that can put it in the hands of most shooters.


The SIG Sauer P210 9mm Target Pistol-Precision Defined

The SIG Sauer P210 Target is an absolutely superb handgun and intrinsically accurate-living up to its legend.


Smith and Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ

Smith and Wesson's 'EZ' line of compact semi-automatic pistols designed for personal defense.


The Ruger 57 (5.7x28mm) Pistol

With the introduction of the Ruger 57 pistol, a 5.7x28 pistol is now easier to use and afford.


Ruger 'LITE RACK'.22 LR LCP II

Ruger's new 'LITE RACK' LCP II chambered in .22 LR is a very significant development in close range defensive hardware.


The Lever Action Henry .357 Magnum Big Boy Steel Rifle and Carbine

The Henry 'Big Boy' series of lever action rifles was the first series of Henry's now extensive centerfire rifle lineup.


The Henry Repeating Arms H001 Classic Lever Action .22 Caliber Rifle

Thanks to Henry, the western lever action rifle is back and here to stay.


Springfield Armory 9mm Hellcat Micro Compact Pistol

Springfield Hellcat; It may prove to be your ideal carry gun.


The Ruger Wrangler .22 LR Single Action Revolver

If you are looking for a .22 caliber handgun, consider the Ruger Wrangler. It should be a great plinker, trail gun, or in a pinch an emergency defensive arm that is pretty impervious to the elements.


Faxon Firearms FX-19 Hellfire Compact 9mm Pistol

The FX-19's have all the features of custom pistols, but keep within conventional price ranges.


FN 509 Midsize 9mm

The 4-inch barrel 509 Midsize is a fully featured pistol that is designed to hit a new sweet spot in terms of consumer demand.


SIG P365 XL-Extended Barrel/Extended Magazine Capacity - Still Compact Size

SIG has hit another home run with the new P365 XL.


Israel Weapons Industry (IWI) Masada Optics Ready 9mm Pistol

The IWI Masada is an excellent pistol, designed for a lifetime of service-hard use service at that.


The Glock 43x-The Best of Both Worlds.

The new G43x combines the shorter Glock 43 barrel with the frame of the Glock 48.


The FN 509 Tactical 9mm: Multi-Feature and Combat Ready

If you want a well thought out and designed pistol for home defense or carry, then consider the 509 Tactical.


Suppressor 101 Part 2: Centerfires

After my introduction to the world of sound suppressors it was time to move up to a centerfire rifle suppressor.


Suppressor 101 Part 1: Rimfire

My desire to own a suppressor has increased quite a bit since learning more about them, and getting to try them out.


Sig Sauer P320 X-Carry Coyote Two-Tone 9mm

The SIG P320 X-Carry Coyote Two-Tone pistol is one of the most striking pistols in SIG's entire lineup.


Mossberg 590 Shockwave Shotgun-12, 20 gauge, .410 Bore Close-Range Defender

The Mossberg Shockwave is a purpose specific shotgun. It has some limitations, but delivers a devastating payload capable of delivering one shot stops


Hearing Protection vs. Auditory Exclusion

While in the shooting range, One should always wear ear protection. During a 'fight or flight' situation, Auditory Exclusion can protect your hearing.


The New Colt Cobra-The Premier Six-Shot .38 Snub Returns

Those who appreciate a quality, classic, defensive snubnose revolver should consider the New Colt Cobra.


The Glock 45-Compact Crossover 9mm.

The Glock Gen5 guns provide some nice enhancements over previous Glock generations.


The Sig Sauer P320 9mm M17-Civilian Version America's New Duty Pistol.

If you are looking for a full-size carry, home defense, or duty pistol, consider the Sig Sauer P320 M17 or M17 Commemorative pistols.


Make Ready

You can 'make ready' as a threat begins to unfold.


Armed Response for an Unarmed Attack

You CAN use deadly force against an apparently unarmed person.


The 3.6 inch Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact .40 cal

The new Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact is hard to beat.


How NOT to Bring New Shooters into the Fold

Learning to shoot should never have a foundation of being a joke.


Have a Safe-Shooting Christmas

Please don't allow your Christmas and holiday celebrations to turn tragic.


Gun Owners are in for a rough ride ahead-Get Ready!

Social media background checks are only the leading edge of the storm.


Substitute House Bill 228-What it Means for You and Lawful Self-Defense

Don't panic, Substitute House Bill 228 (HB 228) is all good news


Getting a Grip on Things

The handgun is technically a one hand gun, originally designed to be fired only from the shooting hand.


The Taser Pulse-Compact High Tech Less-Lethal Self Defender

The Taser shines due to its effectiveness combined with minimal risk of any long term harm.


How to Stop a Glock in One Easy Lesson

It's impossible to stop a Glock....with proper maintenance.


Selecting Your First Defensive Handgun

Never before in U.S. history has such a staggering array of handguns designed primarily for self-defense been available.


Out of Sight, Out of Mind-Keep it Concealed

Carrying your handgun concealed while maintaining a high level of situational awareness is a far better option than carrying openly.


Weaponcraft Wednesdays at Vance Outdoors

Weaponcraft Wednesday is a series of eight training/practice sessions conducted under the guidance of Vance Outdoors certified instructors that are designed to help individuals improve/maintain their tactical shooting skills


It's Only Stuff...

Personal belongings are not as important as your life when it comes to emergent situations.


Maverick 88 Security Pump Shotgun by Mossberg

A Lot of 12 Gauge Bang for the Buck!


Ruger Security 9-Compact, Affordable, EDC Hi-Capacity 9mm

The Ruger Security 9 is an excellent choice for folks who want a high capacity, accurate and reliable self-defense pistol for home or away


Gun Safety is Job One

Gun Safety is truly Job One when it comes to handling firearms


It Can Happen to Anyone, at Anytime

These are dangerous times we live in, and certain to become even more dangerous.


The Smith and Wesson 1911 Performance Center Pro Series 9mm

This is one concealment hand gun that you won't mind taking to the range for practice sessions and certainly won't mind carrying all day.


The Smith and Wesson M&P .380 Shield EZ

NONE of what they are saying about the new M&P .380 Shield EZ is hype.


The Smith and Wesson M&P 9 Shield 2.0 with Integrated CTC Green Laser

The Shields 2.0 improvements are subtle and represent an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary step forward.


SIG Sauer P365 Nitron Micro-Compact 9mm.

Review of 2018 New SIG Sauer P365.


Amazing Law Enforcement Trade-In's Now Available! Don't pass these up!

New Police Trade-In's available now, including Smith and Wesson 3913 and 5906.


One from the Classic Case

A Brief Overview and History of Colt Cobra .38 Special Revolver.


Henry Repeating Arms U.S. Survival Rifle

The U.S. Survival Rifle is currently the only "survival rifle" on the market.


21st Century Stranger Danger and the Law Abiding Citizen

Being Prepared for any situation in the 21st century.


Smith and Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 Compact

A review of Smith and Wesson M& 40 M20 Compact.


Ruger LCR 9mm Revolver Review

The Ruger LCR 9mm Revolver Uses Quick Loading Auto Pistol Ammo for Effective Close Range Punch.


Sig Sauer Legion Series of Pistols

SIG Sauer has long offered a wide range of handgun variations for most of the models they offer with special finishes, grips and other enhancements.


The Importance of Ongoing Training

Let's say that you have gotten your concealed carry permit, or taken a basic handgun, rifle or shotgun course, and you feel like you are ready to defend yourself with deadly force. What comes next?


The Generation 5 Glock 17 and 19-Updated Design Moves Closer to 'Perfection'

A review of the latest release by Glock; the Gen 5.


Choosing the Right Defensive Handgun

Choosing the right defensive weeapon, when children are in the home.


Steel Will High-End,Top Quality and Outdoor Blades

A break down of Gekko Knives and their uses.


Safe Travels

Not only are we concerned about these extreme criminal acts, but there are other situations to consider that can cause risk while traveling.


Defining the Double Action/Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol

The DA/SA trigger system has been around for a very long time, making its first successful appearance in the Walther PP .32 ACP compact pistol.


The Buck 110 Folding Hunter

The tactical blade that started it all.


First Look: Bond Arms Bullpup 9mm Semi-Automatic

The Bullpup 9 is not a new design, but one that has been reworked to enhance reliability and reduce price.


Summer is the Time for .22's

If you haven't experienced the joy of a summer day spent with .22's in the outdoors, you should while there is plenty of summertime still left.


HK VP9 Semi-Auto Combat Pistol

A very conventional semi-automatic combat pistol design, and HK's first striker fired handgun since the P7.


Smith & Wesson M&P 45 ACP Shield

A very slightly enlarged Shield in the highly popular and powerful .45 ACP cartridge.


The Beretta APX

New entry into polymer framed striker-fired pistol market shows great promise.


Sig Sauer 1911 Tacops Carry .45 ACP

A custom quality firearm at a factory price.


The Smith and Wesson M&P M2.0

This new updated version is improved for even better shootability.


The Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield

The Top Pick for Concealed Carry Permit Holders.


Review: Ruger LCP II

The new ultra compact deep concealment .380 pistol from Ruger.


The Revolver in the 21st Century

Contrary to what you may see in a lot of the popular firearms media these days, the revolver as a self-defense tool is not dead.


The Ruger American Compact 9mm

The compact American version is one full featured handgun that smoothly combines the best of the currently popular features available on duty type pistols all in one package.


The Ruger Redhawk 5033 Eight Shot .357 Magnum Snub

Ruger has just introduced an "ultimate trail/survival" version of the Redhawk for 2017- the eight-shot .357 Magnum 5033 "snubnose" Redhawk.


Your First AR15-Which Will it Be?

While this has been a very short treatise on an expansive topic, I hope it gives you a good starting point as you research your upcoming AR15 purchase.


Let's Have a Safe and Tragedy Free 2017

Let's make sure that none of us make assumptions about what children as young as 2 years old can or cannot do.


The Smith and Wesson SD VE Semi-Auto Pistols

The Best Defensive Handgun Value on the Market.


Smith and Wesson Performance Center Firearms

The Smith and Wesson Performance Center, which is now its own brand under the Smith and Wesson banner, provides specialized services and products which the average gun purchaser may not be aware of.


Building and Keeping Traditions

Making Christmas memories that last a lifetime.


Defensive Handguns for Women

Women today are significantly represented among the ranks of first time gun owners.


Review: The Glock 43

A review on Glock's first single stack 9mm pistol.


Springfield Armory Hit the Range 2016

Between November 4th - 6th, be the first to try out the highly anticipated SAINT™ from Springfield.


Crimson Trace Laser Sights

Giving defensive shooters the tactical advantage for 22 years.


Keep it Clean - The Basics of Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance

Breaking down what the newcomer to the shooting world needs to properly clean and maintain their firearm.


Welcome, First Time Gun Buyer!

Follow these steps to feel more comfortable when purchasing a firearm for the first time.


Auto Ordnance and Inland Manufacturing M1 Carbines-Excellent Close Range Defensive Options

With a less offensive look than the AR15 and AK47, the M1 Carbine is off the radar screen of the anti-gun, anti-freedom crowd.


Join the NRA through Vance Outdoors

Right now, all NRA memberships are being discounted through the NRA when you sign up with Vance Outdoors.


Ruger 10/22 Review

In the last few years, exacting .22 rimfire replicas of famous centerfire rifles and carbines have literally exploded in popularity.


Century Arms S47 AKs - Russian Ingenuity/Made in USA Quality

Invented by Mikhail Kalishnikov and introduced in the former Soviet Union in 1947, the AK has a lot going for it.


Springfield Armory Range Officer Stainless 1911 .45 Review

A thorough review of the Springfield Armory Range Officer.


Smith and Wesson's .22 Magnum 351 PD Revolver

Review: Smith and Wesson's .22 Magnum 351 PD Revolver

A thorough review on Smith and Wesson's lightweight 7 shot ccw defender.


Exploring Mineral Site Benefits

Exploring Mineral Site Benefits

Using minerals will promote an overall healthier herd and antler growth for a buck.


Top Five Shotguns

Top 5 Shotguns

The Top 5 series continues with my list of favorite shotguns.


NRA 2016 Annual Meeting and Conference is in Nearby Louisville, Kentucky

Mark Your Calendar

NRA 2016 Annual Meeting and Conference is in Nearby Louisville, Kentucky.


Top Five Defensive Handguns

Top 5 Defensive Handguns

These choices are from actual experience with these guns. The number 1 choice is a gun I would not part with under any circumstance.


Mace Brand Triple Action Pepper Spray

Mace Brand Triple Action Pepper Spray - An Effective Component of Layered Self-Defense

There are times when the law abiding come under physical threat where deadly force is not justified for self-defense.


Top 5 Defensive and Survival Rifles

Top 5 Defensive and Survival Rifles

These choices are from actual experience with these guns. The number 1 choice is a gun I would not part with under any circumstance.


Ruger Mini-14 carbine review

The Ruger Mini-14: Ultra-Reliable 5.56mm Defense Capable Carbine

The Ruger Mini-14, a scaled down .223/5.56mm semi-automatic carbine based on the .30-06 M-1 Garand and the .308 caliber M-14, hit the market in 1974 as an alternative to the AR15.


The Armed Citizen in the Age of Terror

The Armed Citizen in the Age of Terror

The opening shots of this process have been fired - but what can the armed, or about to be armed citizen do about it?


The Christmas .22 Rifle Tradition

The Christmas .22 Rifle Tradition

The .22 caliber rifle has traditionally been the first real firearm that kids receive under the tree.


Hillary Clinton and Common Sense Gun Control

Hillary Clinton and Common Sense Gun Control

Debunking the Common Sense Gun Control debate.


Remington 870 Review

The Remington 870 Pump Shotgun: Time Tested Defense/Utility/Hunting Tool

Whatever version of the 870 you choose, you can't go wrong.


Ruger Precision 308 Rifle Review

The .308 Ruger Precision Rifle - Custom Rifle Excellence at Production Price

The Ruger Precision Rifle is designed as a highly portable, lightweight solution to tactical problems or sporting use.


Glock .40 Caliber Police Trade Pistols

Consider a Glock .40 for Defense

With police trades on the rise, there's no better time to buy a used Glock.


Carrying Two Guns While Travelling

The Walther CCP: Cutting Edge Single Stack 9mm Ideal for Carry or Home Defense

If you appreciate accuracy, comfortable shooting and smooth operation, the CCP is well worth the money.


Carrying Two Guns While Travelling

Carrying Two Guns While Travelling

Travelling outside of Ohio? Consider bringing a backup gun along for the ride.


Sig Sauer P229: Classic Mid-Size 9mm with Modern Updates

Sig Sauer P229: Classic Mid-Size 9mm with Modern Updates

The P229 is a pistol that will give you a lifetime of quality service, whether used for concealed carry, home defense, or recreational shooting.


Why buy police trade in guns

Police Duty Weapon Trade-Ins: Affordable Self-Defense Options

Buying a police duty trade-in firearm can save you a lot!


Here's what you need to know about the range maintenance for the week of July 27-31.

July Shooting Range Maintenance

Here's what you need to know about the range maintenance for the week of July 27-31.


Ohio House Bill 147 and What it Means for You.

Ohio House Bill 147 and What it Means for You

Ohio H.B 147 seeks to make a rather drastic overhaul of Ohio's Concealed Carry Permit System which began in 2004.


Bond Arms' Derringers Deliver a Classic One-Two Punch.

Bond Arms' Derringers Deliver a Classic One-Two Punch

Bond Arms take on a 19th Century compact self-defense firearm, the Derringer, makes this two shot defender 21st Century capable.


Send a Veteran to Washington D.C

Send a Veteran to Washington D.C

Honor Flight Columbus is helping veterans reach war memorials at no cost to them.


The SCCY CPX-2 Pistol

SCCY CPX-2 CB 9mm: USA Manufactured Quality Self-Defense Pistol at a Bargain Price

Sometimes, quality and reliability come at an unexpectedly reasonable price.


The Pump Shotgun: Ultimate Castle Defender

The Pump Shotgun: Ultimate Castle Defender

The pump shotgun can be considered a primary home defense weapon.


Taking Aim at Breast Cancer

Taking Aim at Breast Cancer

Help us do our part to wipe out Breast Cancer for good!


Advanced Defensive Revolver Operation Course

Advanced Defensive Revolver Operation Course

Details on the upcoming Advanced Revolver Course held at Vance Outdoors Obetz.


Mothers Day at the Vance Outdoors Shooting Range

Save & Shoot: Mother's Day at the Range

If you're still looking for Mother's Day ideas, look no further. Vance Outdoors has you covered!


Shooting the Glock 43 at the Range

Video: Glock 43 Review

Aaron and JB review the Glock 43 by test firing and comparing the new 9mm single stack pistol with the Glock 42 and 26 at the Vance Outdoors Shooting Range.


Streamlight ProTac 1AAA-Mini Tactical Light

The Streamlight ProTac 1AAA Tactical Light is an affordable, yet quality flashlight.


AK-47 vs AR-15 Firing at the Range

Video: AK-47 vs AR-15 Comparison At the Range

Aaron and JB visit the Vance Outdoors Shooting Range to finish their AK-47 and AR-15 comparison by firing both rifles.


Glock Days 2015

Glock Days 2015 at Vance Outdoors

This year's Glock Days may be the best one to date.


Ruger Retailer of the Year

Ruger's Retailer of the Year Award goes to Vance Outdoors

Vance Outdoors receives its second award this year as Retailer of the Year in the firearms industry.


The S&W 642 .38 Special Revolver: Concealed Carry Excellence in a Lightweight Package

As a police officer, the Smith and Wesson Model 642 was my most often carried handgun of choice when off-duty. And after 15 years, it's still my top choice for concealed carry.


AK-47 vs AR-15

Video: AK-47 vs AR-15 Comparison

Aaron and JB give a basic understanding of the AK-47 and AR-15 platform, noting the positives, negatives and differences between two of the most popular modern sporting rifles available today.


Carrying a Double-Action Revolver for Self Defense

A double-action revolver can be a great choice for concealed carry, but is it the right choice for you?


Choosing the Best Ammo for Self Defense

For the new defensive handgun user, choosing which type of ammunition to use for self-defense can be somewhat bewildering. But relax and read on, because the question of which defensive ammo to select is fairly easy to solve.


The Handheld Tactical Light

A handheld tactical light is another piece of essential equipment that those, who are seeking to be prepared for any eventuality, should always have on their person.


Understanding the Basics of the Glock Pistol System

The Glock pistol is undoubtedly one of the most popular series of pistols in the world, even though it had a rather inauspicious beginning in 1982.


Concealed Carry 101: Understanding Basic Concealment Carry Modes

There are three basic modes of firearms concealment that should accommodate any conceivable situation for those who carry lawfully concealed firearms.


Intermediate Force Options: Preparing For Any Defensive Circumstance

Most situations that require the use of force to control suspects do not require deadly force.


Being a Good Witness

Carrying a lawfully concealed firearm is a much more serious venture than using a firearm for home defense.


Handgun Mounted Tactical Lights: The Home Court Defensive Advantage

Choosing the best handgun light and deciding whether it makes sense for every defensive situation.


Review: Sig Sauer 9mm P320 Carry

SIG's First Foray into Striker Fired Polymer Pistols is a Huge Success.


Review: Smith and Wesson M&P15-22

Smith & Wesson's Rimfire Replica of the 5.56mm M&P15 is Training and Self-Defense Capable.


Championship of the Universe

Video: Jason Hornady vs. Todd Vance Shooting Competition

Jason Hornady (Hornady Ammunition) vs. Todd Vance (Vance Outdoors) competing at the range for the "Championship of the Universe".


Selecting a Concealed Carry Handgun

When it comes to choosing the best concealed carry handgun, every person is different in terms of capabilities and skills, along with defensive needs and financial status, so clearly one size or one answer will not fit all.


There Are Indoor Shooting Ranges and There Are Shooting Facilities...

The new Vance Outdoors location in Obetz is a shooting FACILITY. Not only that, it is, simply put, the finest indoor range facility in all of Ohio.


Indoor Shooting Range

Video: Advanced Features Sneak Peek of the Vance Outdoors Shooting Range

A sneak peek at some Advanced Features of the new Vance Outdoors Shooting Range. Opening October 17th, 2014 in Obetz, Ohio.


Jim Triplett Firing the First Shots Down Range

Video: First Shot on the Vance Outdoors Shooting Range

A first look at the new Vance Outdoors Shooting Range, opening October 17th, 2014 in Obetz, Ohio. The honor of firing the first shot goes to Jim Triplett.